Saudi Arabia implements new work visa limits and employment rules

Saudi Arabia work visas foreign workers employment laws Nitaqat

Saudi Arabia has implemented new regulations regarding work visas and employment rights for foreign workers. Under a revised framework, the kingdom has introduced specific caps on the number of work visas businesses can obtain based on their operational history.

Companies that have been in operation for less than two years are limited to five work visas. In contrast, established businesses operating for more than two years may obtain up to 50 visas. Companies enrolled in the Establishing Programme are subject to a different quota, starting with two visas and increasing as they achieve higher Nitaqat classifications, which categorize employers based on their use of Saudi nationals.

Regarding labor protections, the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment clarified that foreign workers may have the right to terminate employment immediately without losing legal entitlements in specific cases. These circumstances include non-payment of wages, assignment of duties that deviate from the employment contract, or conditions that endanger an employee's safety or dignity. Additionally, notice periods for termination are defined: monthly salaried employees must provide 60 days’ notice, while other employees are required to provide 30 days.

Entities

Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment · Saudi Arabia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Companies operating for more than two years can obtain up to 50 work visas. nairametrics.com · punchng.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Businesses operating for less than two years are limited to a maximum of five work visas. nairametrics.com · punchng.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Monthly salaried employees must provide 60 days’ notice before termination, while others require 30 days. arynews.tv
[● 2 SOURCES] Businesses in the Establishing Programme start with a quota of two work visas. nairametrics.com · punchng.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Saudi Arabia has introduced new limits on the number of work visas available to businesses. nairametrics.com · punchng.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Foreign workers may leave jobs immediately with full entitlements if wages are unpaid or contract terms are violated. arynews.tv

Sources

Saudi Arabia explains employment rules for foreigners [arynews.tv]

16 days ago

Saudi Arabia sets new work visa limits for businesses hiring foreign workers [nairametrics.com]

15 days ago

Saudi Arabia sets new work visa limits for businesses, foreign workers [punchng.com]

15 days ago